Gaim obtained his Ph.D. in Environment and Human Geography from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. A Master’s Degree in GIS and Remote Sensing from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography from Southern Illinois University, USA. Prior to becoming an academic, he was a state town planner. From 1997 to 2003 he was the Project Manager for the Sabah State ICZM and ELP Project, a joint initiative between Malaysian and Danish governments. His research interests are focused on community roles in Land and Natural Resources Governance and the application of community mapping and social impact assessment as tools for the community to participate and engage in a wider context of land and natural resources governance. He participated in a number of consultancies, researches and expeditions aimed at promoting local community involvement in conservation, social enterprise and community development initiatives. He can be contacted at gaim.umsATgmail.com.
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SEMINAR ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN SABAH: FROM NEEDS-BASED TO ASSET-BASED APPROACH
INTRODUCTION
The Institute for Development Studies (Sabah), Malaysia is organising a one day seminar on Community Development in Sabah: From Needs-Based to Asset-Based Approach. This seminar will be sponsored by the Sabah State Government and the Conrad Adenauer Foundation on the 24 June 2014, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
BACKGROUND
Community development builds the five capitals of community physical, finance, human, social and environmental. Community development is a structured intervention that gives communities greater control over the conditions that affect their lives. Community development improves the situation of a community, not just economically, but also as a strong functioning community in itself.
Currently the Sabah Governments efforts towards community development, mainly to tackle poverty issue in the State, based on the needs-based approach. Under this approach, problems are usually analysed and solutions identified to meet those needs, which are generally financial resources and programmes administered by external organisations such as government sector and NGOs.
As an alternative to the more commonly practiced needs-based approach, Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) is increasingly recognised as a preferred and more effective approach in community development. ABCD shifts the focus of community development from problem solving to asset building. It is community-driven development rather than development driven by external organisations.
It is timely for the State government to consider adapting to a new approach in community development such as the ABCD, where communities capabilities and assets are the main focus rather than their problems and needs. Through this approach, communities can continuously be empowered, which will improve their livelihood and reduce the current dependency on government assistances.
OBJECTIVES
- To explore various community development approaches, in particular, asset-based community development approach; and
- To tap other countries experience related to asset-based and other approaches.
TARGET AUDIENCE
The number of participants targeted is about 150. The seminar will cover a wide range of audience ranging from personnel from government departments/agencies, GLCs, policy makers, academicians, local authorities, community leaders, private sector, as well as non-governmental organisation.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, 24 June 2014 | |
Level 3, Kundasang & Keningau Room, Le Meridien, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | |
7.30am-8.45am |
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7.45am-8.50am |
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8.50am-9.00am |
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9.00am-9.10am |
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9.10am-9.20am |
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9.20am-9.45am |
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9.45am-9.50am |
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9.50am-10.25am |
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SESSION I | SESSION CHAIRPERSON: Puan Anne Lasimbang |
10.30am-11.15am |
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11.15am-12.00pm |
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12.00pm-12.40pm |
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12.40pm-1.50pm |
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SESSION II | SESSION CHAIRPERSON: Dr. Gaim Lunkapis |
1.50pm-2.35pm |
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2.35pm-3.10pm |
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3.10pm-3.55pm |
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3.55pm-4.30pm |
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4.30pm |
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